Exploring Unspoiled Australian Coastlines: The Case for Toolinna Cove and Eighty Mile Beach
When it comes to coastal development, the allure of creating a Gold Coast-style resort city is tempting. However, there are significant reasons why places like Toolinna Cove in Western Australia and Eighty Mile Beach near Cairns cannot be developed in the same manner as popular Queensland destinations.
Toolinna Cove: A Unique Coastal Gem
Toolinna Cove is located at the base of the Baxter Cliffs, near the end of a 200-kilometre stretch of the cliff line in Western Australia. It is a cove that provides a natural haven from the harsh coastal environment, despite its small size and hazardous access.
According to Beachsafe, Toolinna Cove's Beachsafe description presents a vivid picture of its natural beauty and challenges. The cove, which is about 100 metres long, is partially covered by boulder debris, leaving only a narrow 50-metre-long sandy patch towards its southern end. This unique geography creates a challenging environment for any form of coastal development.
Access and Hazards
The cove is accessed via a vehicle track, and a flying fox has been set up in a steep gully to facilitate the transfer of fishing gear and fish to and from the beach. However, the access remains extremely hazardous, with a general hazard rating of 8/10, indicating the site's highly dangerous nature.
Geological and Ecological Significance
The area around Toolinna Cove is rich in geological features. Holocene and Pleistocene barrier and dune deposits, including the 120-metre-high Bilbunya sand dunes, which are the highest active dunes in Australia, add to the site's ecological and historical significance. These features provide a direct link to the past and the dynamic nature of the coastal system.
The Zuytdorp Cliffs and Eighty Mile Beach: Another Unspoiled Coastline
The Zuytdorp Cliffs, located south of Steep Point, offer another example of a challenging coastal area. Named after the Dutch trading ship that ran aground and sank near the cliffs, it highlights the hazardous nature of this stretch of the coastline.
Eighty Mile Beach, with its 220-kilometre length and stretched 1800 kilometres northwest of Perth, is another contender for a potential resort city. However, the path to development is fraught with difficulties due to the unique environmental constraints of this region.
Purposeful Development?
The Eighty Mile Beach, hemmed in by a desert larger than the United Kingdom and located on the most cyclone-prone part of the Australian coastline, seems like an ideal candidate for development. However, the abundance of highly built-up beaches along the eastern coast of Australia raises serious ethical questions about whether additional development is necessary.
Alternate Vision for Coastal Management
Many Australians, including coastal management experts, are increasingly advocating for a sustainable approach to coastal development. This involves recognizing the intrinsic value of preserving natural coastal environments and highlighting the unique qualities of places like Toolinna Cove and Eighty Mile Beach.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Sustainable Practices
While the idea of transforming these unique and ecologically rich coastlines into sprawling resort destinations might seem appealing, it is crucial to consider the long-term impact such development would have on the environment. Coastal management should prioritize sustainable practices, preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of these areas for future generations.
At the end of the day, the natural allure and beauty of places like Toolinna Cove and Eighty Mile Beach should be celebrated and preserved. Their unique features offer a rare opportunity to connect with nature and to witness the dynamic and sometimes hazardous yet captivating forces at play along the coastal landscape of Australia.